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RideKC Freedom: Eligibility

Important Notice about Application Process Changes

RideKC Freedom is making some changes to the eligibility process for RideKC Freedom. Beginning April 16, RideKC Freedom implements a new ADA eligibility process for new applicants and current users whose eligibility expires. The ADA application and medical certification are still required documents.

New Requirements: In-person Assessment is now required if you are applying for ADA-eligible transportation.
Schedule an appointment once you have your completed ADA application and the certification required by your medical provider.

Please see the RideKC Bulletin for more information and meetings where you can get more information.

What is RideKC Freedom?

RideKC Freedom is a shared ride program providing affordable curb-to-curb transportation for registered residents of Johnson County. Special Edition rides may be provided by RideKC vehicles or through a local taxi provider (10/10 Taxi) that is scheduled by RideKC. All procedures and policies remain the same regardless of the ride provider.

Riders may use RideKC Freedom for any trip purpose within the Johnson County service area. The primary service area is bounded by 159th Street on the south, K-7 and Hedge Lane on the west, State Line on the east and County Line on the north. Additionally, the areas labeled as numbered zones are considered a part of the service area.

RideKC Freedom operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. except major holidays. Trips will be scheduled by the rider up to seven (7) days in advance and no later than 2 days prior to the trip.

To determine qualification for the reduced fare program, refer to the income guidelines below. The monthly income for appropriate household size is the maximum income allowable to be eligible for low-income status.

Household Size | Monthly Income

1 = $1,225

2 = $1,650

3 = $2,075

4 = $2,500

5 = $2,925

6 = $3,350

7 = $4,719

8 = $5,250

Applications for reduced fare must include proof of all household income. Household is defined as all persons who are related and living under the same roof, such as parents, children, siblings, and extended family members. This includes adult children living with their parents; in this situation, the parents’ income statements as well as applicant’s income statement must be submitted to determine eligibility for reduced fare. If an applicant does not qualify financially but otherwise qualifies, the application will be processed as regular fare for Ride KC Freedom.

Premium Service is available to a limited number of riders who have schedules which are the same from week to week. There is an additional charge, but signing up saves the rider from calling in to schedule rides every week.

Application Submission

Low Income (reduced fare) applicants neet to fill out the printed RideKC Freedom Application. Seniors and Disabled applicants may use any method.

Please allow two weeks for the processing of mailed applications. Once the application is approved, an ID card will be mailed to the rider. Rides may be scheduled as soon as the id card is received.

RideKC Freedom: Fares

Regular Fare

The regular RideKC Freedom (formerly The JO Special Edition) fare is based on “as the crow flies” mileage and is $5.20 per one-way trip that is 10 miles or less, $6.20 per one-way trip that is 10.01 to 20 miles and $7.20 per one-way trip that is 20.01 or more miles . Return trips will be separate fares. Trips outside the service area (for medical/dental appointments only) will be charged each way using the mileage rate.

Miles Traveled | Cost Per One-Way Trip

0 - 10 miles = $5.20

10.01 - 20 miles = $6.20

20.01 + miles = $7.20

Passes

JCT offers RideKC Freedom passes that may be purchased in amounts of $32.00, $52.00, $62.00 and $72.00. These passes are in increments of 10-punches of the most common ride fares. For example, the $62.00 pass is the equivalent of 10, $6.20 ride punches. A separate 10-zone ticket is available for $7.50 to reduced fare riders to cover the zone fare for trips outside of Johnson County. All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable and may only be used by approved RideKC Freedom riders. Should a RideKC Freedom rider use a pass, the ride fare will be deducted from the pass in one “punch” increments. For example, if a ride fare is $5.20 and the rider provided a $32.00 10-punch pass, the driver would punch the pass two times in order to cover the $5.20 ride fare. No change or refunds will be provided.

Passes are available for purchase online, and added to the above prices will be a 3% credit card surcharge, shipping and handling fee. Please allow 5-7 business days for delivery. RideKC drivers do not sell RideKC Freedom passes; passes are available for purchase on-line (credit only) or by mailing a check to:

Johnson County Transit
1701 West 56 Highway
Olathe, Kansas 66061

On RideKC buses, please have the exact fare, a pass, or a check for each one-way trip. Drivers do not carry change and will not accept credit cards. Passengers are required to pay each time they board a vehicle. Aides travel free of charge if there is a physician’s statement on file at the JCT office that states the rider requires assistance when traveling. JCT will issue the rider an Aide ID for use by the individual assisting the rider. (Note: Aides are not provided by JCT, they must be provided by the rider.) RideKC Freedom will not bill riders nor will the drivers accept checks for a round trip.

Fares for transportation provided by 10/10 Taxi will be the same as rides provided by RideKC vehicles. 10/10 Taxi will accept cash, passes and credit cards but will not accept checks.

Reduced Fare

Residents who qualify for the reduced fare program pay $3.20 per one-way for trips within Johnson County and $3.20 per one-way plus 75¢ per zone for trips outside of Johnson County. See the Service Area/Zone Map for zone listings.

Reduced Fare Income Guidelines

To determine qualification for the reduced fare program, refer to the table below. The monthly income for appropriate household size is the maximum income allowable to be eligible for low-income status.

Household Size | Monthly Income

1 = $1,225

2 = $1,650

3 = $2,075

4 = $2,500

5 = $2,925

6 = $3,350

7 = $4,719

8 = $5,250

Applications for reduced fare must include proof of all household income. Household is defined as all persons who are related and living under the same roof, such as parents, children, siblings, and extended family members. This includes adult children living with their parents; in this situation, the parents’ income statements as well as applicant’s income statement must be submitted to determine eligibility for reduced fare. If an applicant does not qualify financially but otherwise qualifies, the application will be processed as regular fare for RideKC Freedom.

RideKC Freedom: Guidelines

Schedule both pickup and return trips at the same time. If scheduling a ride to a medical appointment and the return trip time is unknown, patrons may schedule a “will call” trip. A “will call” trip allows the patron to call the RideKC Freedom Dispatcher when he/she is ready for the return trip. Pickup time will be within one hour in Johnson County or within 90 minutes if outside of Johnson County.

Drivers are not allowed to make trip reservations for passengers.

RideKC Freedom trips are scheduled with a 15 minute pickup window. This means the driver may arrive for pickup 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after your scheduled pickup time.

Drivers wait no longer than five minutes after they arrive for a scheduled pickup. For example, if a pickup is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. and the driver arrives at 7:45 a.m. (within the 15 minute window), the patron must board the vehicle by 7:50 a.m. or the driver will be dispatched to the next stop and leave. Passengers should board the vehicle as soon as it arrives. Riders will be charged for the trip if they fail to board the vehicle. If the rider requests it and the schedule permits, a vehicle may return at a later time. Riders will be charged for the missed trip and the additional trip. If the rider has a return (second leg) trip scheduled, it will automatically be cancelled. If the rider wishes the ride to remain scheduled, the rider must notify Scheduling. Please be aware that the drivers are on a tight schedule.

RideKC Freedom vehicles will not stop at any location other than those that were scheduled. All RideKC Freedom buses are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are also available through 10/10 Taxi.

All passengers are required to wear seat-belts while being transported by RideKC Freedom.

RideKC Freedom is a shared ride system. Riders may be onboard up to 60 minutes. Please let the scheduler know your drop off time when you call in to request your trip.

Mobility Devices: Individuals using mobility aids belonging to any class of three-or-more-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed or modified for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered, will be transported. The only exception is, if the combined weight of the mobility aid/occupant exceeds that of the lift/ramp specifications or if carriage of the device is demonstrated to be inconsistent with legitimate safety requirements.

Securement of Mobility Devices: Paratransit Services will make all attempts to secure mobility aids. The operator may ask the rider to transfer to a seat, as it may be difficult to safely secure the passenger within the mobility device. However, it is the rider's choice whether to transfer or remain in his or her mobility device. Transportation will not be denied to a passenger in the event the operator has difficulty securing the mobility aid.

Access to Vehicle Using Wheelchair Lift/Ramp: RideKC Freedom shall permit individuals using a cane, crutch, walker, or other assistive devices to use the vehicle’s wheelchair lift/ramp to enter the vehicle.

If you use a wheelchair or a scooter, please state this when reserving your ride(s). Riders must have adequate sidewalks, ramps and driveways if they are to be transported by RideKC Freedom. It is not the driver’s responsibility to clear ramps, driveways or sidewalks of debris, snow, ice, etc.

Wheelchairs and scooters must back onto the lift during loading on RideKC Freedom buses. Riders are not allowed to face the interior of the bus while on the lift.

Riders who require oxygen must have a physician’s statement on file at the Johnson County Transit office stating that the rider uses oxygen.

If an Aide will accompany you, you must state this when reserving a ride. Your aide requires a separate ID card/number and rides free of charge.

Drivers are not qualified to render medical aid. It is suggested that a rider with any potentially serious medical condition obtain the consent of a physician prior to using this transportation system.

Un-needed or unwanted trips must be cancelled at least two hours before your scheduled pickup time. To cancel a trip, please call (816) 842-9070 and select Option 2. If it is necessary to cancel an early morning pickup, call (816) 842-9070 and select Option 2 and leave your cancellation on the answering machine. If you fail to give adequate notice, you will be charged for the trip. You will be given a cancellation number when you cancel a trip. If you leave the cancellation on the answering machine, you may call back to get your cancellation number.

All ride scheduling, changes and/or modifications must be through the RideKC Freedom Scheduler. Riders may not schedule RideKC Freedom rides through the taxi company.

RideKC Freedom: Policies

Important Notice, May 1, 2017

The application process for RideKC Freedom (formerly The Jo Special Edition) will undergo some changes. Beginning June 1, all applications to use RideKC Freedom will be processed according to guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please read about public meetings and more about the changes here.

By using RideKC Freedom you are agreeing to abide by the guidelines and policies herein outlined. If you have any questions about the guidelines or policies, please call (816) 842-9070 and select Option 5.

Cancel / No Show Policy - defined as follows:

The driver arrives at the pick-up location, waits five (5) minutes and the scheduled rider does not board the vehicle.

The driver arrives at the pick-up location and is told by the rider, a family member or designated caregiver that the rider is not making the scheduled trip.

The rider or his/her caregiver contacts dispatcher at (816) 842-9070 and select Option 2 to cancel the trip less than two (2) hours before the scheduled pick-up time.

If a ride is canceled and the rider has a return (second leg) trip scheduled, it will automatically be cancelled. If the rider wishes the ride to remain scheduled, the rider must notify Scheduling.

Un-needed or unwanted trips must be cancelled at least two (2) hours before your scheduled pick-up time. To cancel a trip, please call (816) 842-9070 and select Option 2. If it is necessary to cancel an early morning pick-up, call (816) 842-9070 and select Option 2 and leave your cancellation on the answering machine. If you fail to give adequate notice, you will be charged for the trip. You will be given a cancellation number when you cancel a trip. If you leave the cancellation on the answering machine, you must call back to get your cancellation number. If a ride is canceled and the rider has a return (second leg) trip scheduled, it will automatically be cancelled. If the rider wishes the ride to remain scheduled, the rider must notify Scheduling.

Riders will receive a written warning each time a "cancel/no show" incident occurs. The written warning will detail the time, violation fee, date and location of each late cancellation/no show incident and the rider(s) involved. Riders will have five (5) business days to provide an explanation of the incident. This response may be made by telephone 913-715-8347 or by e-mail to wehearyou@kcata.org or by mail to the following address:

RideKC Freedom riders who miss scheduled trips or who do not cancel trips at least two (2) hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time will be charged the regular fare for the missed trip. Contested decisions, based on question of fact, may be appealed to the Johnson County Transit staff. Appeals must be made within five (5) business days. An Appeals Committee, consisting of one (1) JCT staff member, one (1) Johnson County Transit Management staff member and one (1) member of the Transportation Council will rule on the appeal. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final. Following an unsuccessful appeal process, riders will be charged the regular fare for the appealed trip(s).

If a rider has three (3) "cancel/no show" incidents in a rolling 90-day window, an additional penalty will be imposed. Following all appeal processes, riders will immediately be suspended from riding on the Special Edition program for a two-week period. After the third violation of the "cancel/no-show" policy in a rolling 90-day window, he/she will be charged a ten dollar ($10) fee for every "cancel/no show" incident for the remainder of the rolling 90-day window.

Payment may be made by cashier's check, money order or personal check. Failure to pay the penalty within the specified time frame will result in denial of service until the penalty is paid.

Suspension Policy

RideKC Freedom riders may be suspended or denied rides because of inappropriate behavior. Definitions of inappropriate behavior include, but are not limited to:

Theft from other riders or staff

Use of obscenities, profanity or other offensive language, not related to the rider's disability

Violence - threat or act that puts riders and/or driver at risk

Harassment of staff (including drivers)

Attempting to board a Special Edition vehicle while carrying: firearms or a concealed weapon of any kind; open containers of alcoholic beverages; unauthorized controlled or illegal substances; highly combustible materials; and/or animals (exception: animals trained to assist persons with a disability).

Failure to remain seated with seat belt buckled when the vehicle is in motion

Eating or drinking on the vehicle

Smoking, chewing tobacco or using snuff while on the vehicle

Solicitations of any kind

Talking to or otherwise distracting the driver while the vehicle is in motion (exception: giving directions to a destination).

A single violation of any of the items listed above or any behavior or actions deemed inappropriate may result in suspension. When a rider violates any of these rules, the driver will show the rider and/or caregiver this policy and ask the rider to comply. Each time an individual refuses to comply or repeats a rules violation, the driver will file an Incident Report with Dispatch that day. The Incident Report will detail the situation, including date, time and location of the incident and the rider(s) involved. A copy of the incident report will be mailed to the rider(s) involved on the next business day. Three (3) violations of this policy within a rolling 90-day window may result in a suspension of up to one (1) year. All one (1) year suspensions will be reviewed by the appeals committee annually.

The driver, any time service is denied to a rider, will complete an Incident Report. The Incident Report will detail the reason(s) for service denial, including date, time and location of the incident and the rider(s) involved. A copy of the incident report will be mailed to the rider(s) involved on the next business day. All incidents of service denial will be reported immediately to the Johnson County Transit.

Decisions on service denial or suspensions will be made only by The JO-Special Edition management staff and can be appealed to the Special Edition Operations Manager. Appeals must be made within five (5) business days of the suspension. An Appeals Committee, consisting of one (1) JCT Management staff member, one (1) Johnson County Transit Management staff member and one (1) member of the Transportation Council will rule on the appeal. The Appeals Committee has ten (10) business days to resolve the appeal. Decisions on service suspension will be made on a case by case basis. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final.

Riders will not be allowed to request trip reservations while suspended or while an appeal is pending, however, trips following the suspension period can be scheduled.

This document is available on audio cassette, computer disk, braille, large print or other languages upon request.

Johnson County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or handicapped status in employment or the provision of service.

RideKC Freedom: Premium Service

RideKC Freedom (formerly The JO–Special Edition) Premium Reservation Service Program (Premium Reservation Service) allows current regular RideKC Freedom customers who are in good standing (no outstanding fines, fees, or suspensions) and are regular riders (three, four or five day each week) to schedule an indefinite time period of fixed scheduled service. Benefits of the Premium Reservation Service are:

Riders do not need to call every other week to request ride reservations. Riders will need to call and cancel unwanted trips at least two hours in advance of their pick-up. Cancelling these unnecessary trips allows other Special Edition clients to schedule during that time.
To cancel a trip, please call (816) 842-9070 and select Option 2. Cancellations can be left on voice mail after-hours.

No fare card or pass is necessary.

Premium Reservation Service customers are billed in advance for the service and collecting fees. Monthly statements are mailed the first of each month and payment is due by the 22nd of the month prior to service delivery.

Riders must pay for service regardless of usage – this includes vacation, sick leave or an extended leave period. If a rider suspends her/his service for an extended period of time and plans to restart the same scheduled service in the future, the customer must pay the same monthly fee each month in order to “reserve” the time slot. Riders will also be charged for any additional trips in the event of a “No Show”

Riders that choose to discontinue their Premium Reservation Service, have no guarantee that they will be reinstated to the service at a later date. Reinstatement to the Premium Reservation Service will be contingent upon trip time, trip frequency, and availability of service.

RideKC Freedom: Reservations & Cancellation

Reservations:

Once a patron receives an ID card, he/she may call the RideKC Freedom (formerly The Jo - Special Edition) and SWIFT Scheduler at 816-842-9070, Option 2, to schedule a ride. All ride scheduling, changes and/or modifications must be through the RideKC Freedom Scheduler. Riders wishing to communicate through Kansas Relay may call 1-800-766-3777. Scheduling is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. RideKC Freedom rides are based on a first come, first served basis, with the exception of the RideKC Freedom Premium Reservation Service. Riders should request rides at least two business days in advance or up to a maximum of seven calendar days in advance. Riders may not schedule RideKC Freedom rides through the Taxi company.

Riders should review the RideKC Freedom Guidelines and Policies before using the service. By using RideKC Freedom, a rider is verifying that he/she understands the policies and procedures of the service and will abide by them.

Cancellations:

Un-needed or unwanted trips must be cancelled at least two hours before your scheduled pickup time. To cancel a trip, please call (816) 842-9070 and select Option 2, leave your cancellation on the answering machine, if necessary. If you fail to give adequate notice, you will be charged for the trip. You will be given a cancellation number when you cancel a trip. If you leave the cancellation on the answering machine, you may call back to get your cancellation number. When cancelling a ride, the return trip (second leg) if scheduled, will automatically be cancelled also unless the rider specifically requests it to remain.

Un-needed or unwanted trips must be cancelled at least two hours before scheduled pickup time as confirmed by the time stamp of the sent message or the individual will be charged a no-show as in standard policy.

If a return e-mail address is provided on the Ride Cancellation form, Dispatch/Scheduling shall “reply” with an appropriate cancellation number.

RideKC Freedom: Service Area

Eligible riders may use RideKC Freedom for any trip purpose within the Johnson County boundary, and specified areas of Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri. If the eligible rider lives outside of the defined service area, the rider is responsible for transportation to and from the closest service boundary. To verify your address on a Google map, click here.

Service Area Map

Residents who qualify for the reduced fare program pay $3.20 per one-way trip plus 75¢ per zone for trips outside of Johnson County.